Added on October 24, 2019  The News Wheel   , , , , , , ,
No Comments

Teens Are Making Driving a Priority

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

More teens are crossing off “get driver’s license” from their to-do list than in years past.

According to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “More than 60 percent of teens got their driver’s license before the age of 18. An 11 percent increase since 2012.”

Check Out: Chevy Traverse named one of 2019’s best crossovers

What’s the reason for the increase? Why are teens more focused on getting their license than teens were almost 10 years ago?

Well, as they say, it was a different time. The economic challenges caused by the end of the recession in 2012, meant many teens didn’t have the funds necessary for driving education and licensure, reports AAA.

Young adults ranging in ages from 18 to 24, were surveyed for the new study and asked when they became licensed drivers. Their responses revealed that “nationally 40.8 percent got their license at or before age 16 and 60.3 percent got their license before the age of 18,” according to AAA.

Seventy percent of teens in the Midwest earned their driver’s license before turning 18, and 55 percent were even more motivated, earning their license before or at the age of 16.

Learn More: How to protect your car from thieves

The trend for younger drivers to earn their driver’s license is a positive shift.

“The fact that more teens are starting to drive at an age when they can gradually learn the necessary skills to be safe behind the wheel is great news for all drivers,” said Jennifer Ryan, AAA director of state relations. “Past trends of waiting until you turn 18 to be licensed was a cause for concern. Many of these young drivers were getting behind the wheel with minimal knowledge or support, putting themselves and others at risk.”

News Source: AAA